Part 6: Broken Bonds

Draven and Avani walked hand in hand deep into the enchanted meadow, the others trotting after them. She explained the details of her vision once more, not leaving a single thing out.

As they arrived in the area that her father had been kept in her dream, nothing happened. It was eerily silent. The air around them was even calm. They stood there for a while and were about to look elsewhere, until the ground began to tremble beneath their feet.

Erupting from the earth was the thick, colossal boulder. Various symbols were engraved into the mass of cobblestone. Forceful winds whirled through the dirt, whispered between the towering trees and delicate flowers, and breathed debris of leaves and tiny stones into the air.

"I'm here, daddy." Avani murmured, her heart full of anticipation.

Draven felt her hand release his. He started to sense a bit of apprehension within himself. But upon seeing the happiness in her eyes, he was reassured.

Avani stepped up to the high stone and set her palm onto the center of it. The emblems started glowing brightly and an immense light shot out from underneath her hand. The statue instantly crumbled.

Emerging from the rubble was Avani's father - the Elemental, King Rathin Nadeem. He brushed the remnants of gravel from his royal robe.

Rathin raised his head, his eyes fixating on his savior. He smiled and opened his arms to collect his daughter inside of his waiting embrace. He was so proud of her. She'd given it her all and had presented so much courage and dedication that it made his eyes fill up with tears.

Rathin broke down as soon as she rushed into his chest, hugging him tightly. He held her, stroking her hair, while she too cried. It had been a long time coming and was well needed for them both.

Draven and the others sat by idly, witnessing in respect the connection between father and daughter that fate had denied them for so long. It was precious. It was heartfelt. It was about time.

Rathin pulled away from Avani and glimpsed at her smiling face. He was pleased to her eyes twinkling in the sunlight, with joy. He cupped her cheek warmly.

"Avani," he muttered. "My precious daughter. It is even more wonderful to see you and to hold you in my arms in reality. I have missed you so."

"Daddy," Avani whimpered.

She grapled the front of this robe and buried her head into the garment, breathing in his scent. He had a masculine aroma to him; very musky and earthy.

"My little one," Rathin spoke to her tenderly. "There are many troubles ahead of us. Are you prepared?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am. I know it will be trying, but it has to be done. Ocelot has to be destroyed."

Draven meandered over to them. "My liege, forgive me for intruding, but we must make haste. My father has already infiltrated Malderon's territory and has taken captives and slaughtered some friends of mine."

Damian growled. "Among the dead was my son. The other was his mate."

Rathin sighed. "I know this. I have been watching everything. Being the Elemental, I have eyes and ears everywhere. Nevertheless, I offer you my condolences."

"Thank you." Damian gently replied, showing a compassionate side of him.

"Holy beings." Rathin acknowledged the Archangels. "Another of who use to be your kind is coming. She is bringing a very powerful child. But the one who should be with her is not. She has the gift to free the ancient water demon and his son. She needs training, which only I, as well as my daughter, can provide such. Your kind comes now."

In that moment, Ariella appeared, cradling a baby in her arms. She was frantic and tears trailed down her cheeks and chest. She had bruises along her chin and right eye. Her lower lip had been busted open and was swollen.

"Draven," she huffed in pain. "Please, I need your help."

Jophiel ran to her sister. "Ariel, what is wrong?"

Ariella gawked at Jo-jo, amazed that she was even talking to her. "Much is wrong. Ocelot stormed the manor with is army and some huge beast that blew fire. It was enormous. He has taken Evelyn, Stacia, Meredith, and Christian prisoner. He had these orbs and they sucked my son and my mate into them. They dissolved into some form of mist and was pulled inside of each. There were two."

Rathin interrupted them. "The Orbs of Confinement. They trap an immortal's essence and soul. It is impossible to free them, without your daughter, Draven."

"Stacia?" he questioned, amazed.

"Yes, royal hybrid." Rathin stated. "Your daughter is rare. There is no other of her kind. Just as there is no other of her brother's kind. These children are very special."

"The baby is Malderon and Evelyn's boy." Draven wondered aloud. "How long have we been gone?"

"Draven, Stacia has reached the equivilent human age of eighteen." Ariella said to him.

Draven's jaw dropped and his eyes saddened. "Eighteen? Wow, it's been that long? I didn't even get to experience my child growing up. He robbed that from me. And now he has her? What does he want from my daughter?"

"Draven, your daughter has found her mate and he has found her. You know him. His presence is close." Rathin's eyes shut. "He will use her for his purpose, your father will. He has to be eliminated, royal hybrid. There is no other way."

"He is dead to me. Let him die." Draven gnarled.

"Ah, Lucian." Damian's voice cut them off.

Lucian materialized in a matter of seconds. Blood covered his shirt and hands. Bits of his pants were scorched.

"Damian," he murmured and lowered his head in shame.

"I already know, Lucian." Damian told him. His hand rested on Lucian's shoulder.

"Peter was trying to protect Christian and I, but the main reason he wanted to die was because his mate was murdered before his very own eyes."

"He was scared he would go insane." Damian responded with emotion, blinking back tears. "And he would have since Nevaeh was no longer alive. I haven't found my mate yet, as messed up as that sounds, I just procreated and had my son. I seriously do not believe it's in the cards for me."

Avani stormed up to him and grabbed his arm, forcing him to face her. "How could you think that, Damian? Any woman would be lucky to have you as their mate."

Damian looked stunned, but covered it with his signature sexy grin. "Thank you, lovely. By chance, would you like to be my mate?" Draven growled low in his throat and Zeff laughed. "I'm just joking, Draven. I wouldn't dare do that to you."

Avani giggled. "My love, I would never let any one take me from you. You're stuck with me."

Draven smirked provocatively and jerked her to him. "I can't wait to be stuck inside of you."

Avani gasped, her heart speeding up. "Draven, be good."

He chuckled. "I am trying; good at it, anyway."

"Draven! My father is right there." She pointed to Rathin. He was busy talking to Ariella. Good thing he was oblivious to her mate's words.

"I can just disappear with you, love, and have my way." Draven purred in his chest.

"Wait a minute!" Avani shrilled with excitement. "Draven, you are a genius."

He smirked. "I know. But, what am I a genius about?"

"Hold that thought. Daddy?"

Rathin went to his daughter, his brow raised. "What is it?"

"Draven just reminded me of something." Avani told him. "How was it that you got me and Draven out of that hell?"

Rathin's eyes lit up. "Ah, yes. The transporting spell. You are truly my flesh and blood."

"Can you do it? I was under the impression that you had to have my mate's help." Ariella said.

"Yes, I did. But we have Orion here. He is as powerful as his brother." Rathin explained.

Avani voiced her opinion. "If we all use our powers together, we will have enough magic to free Stacia."

"And train her." Rathin replied.

"So, this means I will have my daughter back?" Draven asked.

"Yes, my love." Avani sympathetically stated. "We will have her safe and sound."

Draven breathed a sigh of relief. "I am in."

Lucian nodded. "As am I. She is my mate, whether she has recognized that fact or not, I don't know."

"She has, Lucian." Draven responded. "You had best treat my daughter like the princess she is, too. If not, you will answer to me."

"Dude, Draven, I am not going to hurt her." Lucian complained. "Why would I hurt my mate?"

Avani cut in quickly. "Do you remember when Draven's demon went nuts after he found me? It's something you can't control. You will be overly dominant."

Draven agreed. "Yes, you will. But I will be there to help you."

Lucian's eyes widened. "I completely forgot about that. Thanks, man. I have the biggest feeling that I'm going to need all the help I can get.

Lucian and Draven laughed about that. He had no clue how right he was though. He just hoped that his demon's side wouldn't scare Anastacia away from him. That would be very bad for both of them.

Again, I am so sorry for the wait. Had a death in the family and it's just been hectic around here. I will try my damned hardest to get the next part up quicker. Forgive me.